BTEC Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Surveying and Estimating

Construction is a vast, multi-national and multi billion industry. And because of this, the industry places much importance on developing new building projects and keeping construction costs under control. That’s why there is a great demand for people with Surveying skills.

In 2012, Great Britain will host the Olympic Games. Just think how much construction activity will take place before then! There couldn’t be a better time to learn all about surveying - this course could open so many doors for you leading to a rewarding career.

The good news is that this course provides you with valuable hands-on experience which could lead to gainful employment as a professional in the industry.

Are you over 16 and have some experience of the construction industry? Would you like to embark on a lucrative professional career? Would you like to be in great demand for your building and/or quantity surveying skills? If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of these, this home study course could be the best thing you’ve ever done.

And the great thing is, you can study your Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Surveying in your own time at home!

 

What will I learn on the BTEC Advanced Certificate in Surveying and Estimating?

The Advanced Certificate in Surveying is designed to teach you, in an easy-to-understand way, the responsibilities and skills required as a building or quantity surveyor. You will become familiar with equipment used in quantity surveying as well as the terminology and mathematics involved.

You will learn a wide variety of topics including:

• Health, Safety and Welfare in the Construction Industry and responsibilities involved
• Measuring, Tendering and Estimating Processes
• Basic Mensuration techniques
• Surveying Processes and the mathematics involved
• Building Surveying – role of the building surveyor

 

How is the course structured?

The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Advanced Certificate Surveying from UK Open Learning is divided into 3 comprehensive Units:

 

Health and Safety

• Understand the general and specific responsibilities both of employers and employees under current health, safety and welfare legislation.
• Be able to identify workplace hazards, persons who may be affected by such hazards, and the potential consequences of accidents.
• Know how to use risk assessments in appropriate formats.
• Be able to use workplace health and safety policies to recommend control measures, reduce risk and meet legal requirements.
• Understand own role in accident recording and reporting procedures.

 

Measuring, Estimating and Tendering Processes in Construction and the Built Environment

• Be able to record dimensions and descriptions of construction work in a methodical way and process these into final quantities for varying purposes, eg bills of quantities, variations, final account, interim payments, claims, etc.
• Understand the purpose of estimating and the common techniques used to price construction work.
• Be able to calculate all-in costs of materials, labour and plant, together with unit rates, for a variety of construction work.
• Be able to derive approximate quantities and costs to determine the approximate value of building projects at varying pre-contract development design stages and to understand the limitations on the accuracy that might be achieved.
• Understand the purpose of tendering, the common techniques used and the relevant documentation and explain the factors that can affect the level of tenders.

 

Surveying in Construction and Civil Engineering

• Understand surveying terminology and be able to use the equipment and instruments typically used to perform linear surveys, record the measurements in a standard from and produce drawings.
• Be able to use the equipment and instruments typically used to perform levelling surveys, record the measurements in a standard form and produce drawings.
• Be able to use the equipment and instruments typically used to measure angles, record the measurements in a standard form and produce results from calculations.
• Be able to perform the setting out of small buildings.

 

Fully professional tutor support

Once you decide to study for the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Surveying from UK Open Learning you will benefit from having your own personal distance learning tutor on hand who will be happy to help and motivate you through the course and offer any practical advice you may need.

 

Who can take the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Surveying?

To study the course, you must be aged over 16 and be educated to at least GCSE D – G level. Alternatively, you must hold a GNVQ Foundation Certificate or an NVQ qualification at Level 1 as well as access to the internet.

 

Tell me more about the Awarding body Edexcel

Edexcel is the UK's largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally. The company was formed over 10 years ago, by the merger of a number of examination boards with a history dating as far back as 1836. In 1996, Edexcel took over the functions of the Business & Technology Educational Council (BTEC).

 

How long do I have to complete the course?

The great thing about distance learning is that you can study from home or work, at your own pace and in your own time. There are no deadlines that need to be met. However, you must complete within 12 months from the date of purchase. (It is estimated that the course will take roughly 180 hours of study time to complete).

 

Is there an exam?

No there is no exam as such, although you will be required to complete a series of tutor-marked assignments which can be submitted by post or email for marking.

 

How much does the course cost?

£495.00. You can spread the cost and pay in instalments if you like – six months at £82.50 per month.

(Please note that Edexcel registration fees are also required to be paid currently £80.00).

 

Can my employer pay for the course?

Yes of course. If your employer wishes to pay for this distance learning course, we can raise a purchase order – just telephone or email our office.

 

What happens if I’ve paid for the course but find it unsuitable?

Not a problem. If you return it within seven days, we’ll give you a complete refund less an administration fee. After seven days, you will have to pay for the course in full as all your tutor fees will already have been paid.